Due to unforeseen minor problems between cameras and virtual communication. I have re-edited my first entry to include some of the photos from the Southern Texas Trail Ride. It was an incredible experience I hope you enjoy them. Many of the pictures that are fuzzy will be replaced with better images, so check back often in all the entries. This entry is now quite a bit longer, it is likely to be split into two.The Southern Texas Trail Ride

The Southern Texas Trail Ride from Corpus Christ to San Antonio was an
exceptional experience! It was quite a ride!

The View Up Ahead

The View From Behind

...and as far as the eye could see it was miles and miles of mules and horses, riders and wagons.

The Stagecoach

I met many wonderful people who will be long time friends. I rode horseback most days and one day was permitted to drive the stage coach.

Enjoying the Ride

For lunch and dinner we had terrific meals and most of the nights we had dances. There were a total of about 580 people on the ride. Only about 200 rode.

Enjoying Life as Always

Everyone Takes a Break

Alabama canceled their appearance at the stock show and were replaced by Reba. I was disappointed as this is their final tour.

Having A Good Time With Good Friends
Glad To Be Back On My Bike

Who Packed the Lizard

After the ride I picked up my motorcycle in Corpus and met Taka from San Francisco, and Fred from Colorado.

Fred and Taka

We crossed the Brownsville on February 9th. The first day we rode just South of Tampico. The roads were good and we got a nice hotel for $28.00 for 3 people.

Grabbing A Bite to Eat

We went to dinner. I ordered the special since I couldn’t understand the menu. All I new was that it was pork. Turned out to be pig’s feet. Oh well, the Corona was good! :)

Cheers!!!

The next morning we left before daylight hoping to make it past Veracruz. The travel was slow, the roads were rough, narrow, and crowded. Taka had to make the entire trip in two weeks and Fred had to be back to work in Colorado by the 19th. I decided to travel alone so that I could experience more of the country and culture.

Me and Taka

Fred back tracked with me to Palma Sola, about 90 kilometers North
of Veracruz. We spent a day touring the area and then Fred left to go back to Colorado.

Good Company

I rented a place on the Beach called Boco de Oveja for $20 per night, after the first night they dropped my rate to $15. As of February 13th I have been alone. Everyone is very kind and patient with me. My lack of Spanish makes everything a real effort.

It's Beautiful Here

I met the wife of doctor, Teresa Garza, who is building a house on
the beach. She has been giving me desperately needed Spanish lessons and showing me around the State of Veracruz. We have visited many of the towns and the Tolteca ruins. Much like the Mayan ruins I have seen, though it does not appear that they incorporated as much engineering for water, etc.

Teresa and I at the Tolteca Ruins

She has shown me how to buy a phone card and where to find the Internet. Seems simple, but this is a rural area and no one except her speaks English. I was very lucky to meet her. Teresa has agreed to take me to Carnival in Veracruz on the 19th. It is like Mardi Gras. I am staying until after that and then will continue South. I have been gathering stones and helping to build her house.

Working on Teresa's House

I have made several friends and would not mind building here myself. Land and new home on the beach would be about $30,000.00.

The Mexicans all warn me against going to Guatemala, just like the Americans warned me about traveling through Mexico. I hope Guatemala is as wonderful as Mexico. I had dinner with a couple from Toronto, Canada. They transport autos to Nicaragua for resale. They said that the roads are much better in Central America and gave me recommendations for border crossings. They did not think I would have any problems.

I have had no problems so far. Not speaking the language makes everything an effort. I will be a pro at charades when I return. Watching me act everything out seems to be the local entertainment.

Laundry is a chore. I only have 2 shirts and they seemed to get soiled daily. I wash my clothes in the sink every night, but it takes almost 2 days for them to dry. I am glad I brought the drain stopper and clothes line from home.

I have had a few problems with money. The banks will not exchange any bills that are not perfect. That cut my cash in half. No one here takes dollars or credit cards. I was concerned that I may have to return home early due to lack of funds, but Teresa showed my how to get money from my credit card at the ATM.

I have not seen any risk to my person or belongings. The people are very kind and very honest. The greatest danger is the roads and traffic. The roads are dangerous, very narrow, with no shoulders and much traffic, especially trucks and buses. The pavement is pretty good, but occasionally there are stretched with many potholes or uneven pavement. I make it a point not to ride at night. I think it is safer traveling alone as I only have myself to worry about and in this traffic with no shoulders on the road, it is a full time job.

The weather is a little colder than I would like, cold and overcast. Hope to see more sunshine as I travel South.

On Valentine’s Day I went to a concert, the entire town was out and about, from the very young to the elderly. The food is the best. Everything is fresh, homemade, and delicious. I thought I might lose weight, but it is not looking to promising.

Having a Great Time!